WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Lawmakers and advocates are calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to immediately release a woman held at Huron Valley Correctional Facility, saying the conditions inside could be life-threatening.
Krystal Clark has been incarcerated at Huron Valley for 16 years and says exposure to toxic mold inside the facility is making her seriously ill — and that her concerns have gone unanswered.
“I’m tired. I’m tired of fighting. I’m tired of them getting away with this,” Clark said.
Clark says the health impact has been relentless.
“I’m sitting here just suffering, suffering. In pain every day. Headaches every day. Body breaking out all over my body,” she said.
Clark is serving time for robbery and is eligible for parole within a year. But because of her deteriorating health, lawmakers and advocates have sent an urgent letter to Whitmer demanding her early release.
State Rep. Dylan Weglea, D-Garden City, held a press conference on the issue. House Republicans did not respond to a request for comment.
“I know what’s wrong with my body. I know something is wrong with my body,” Clark said.
Her sister, Tyronda Clark, says the toll has been devastating to witness.
“My sister is unrecognizable,” Tyronda Clark said. “I’m starting to feel hopeless.”
The letter argues the state of Michigan has a responsibility to ensure safe conditions for those who are incarcerated — something advocates say is not happening at Huron Valley.
“I know something is wrong. The mold isn’t supposed to be... It’s affecting me every day. It’s killing me. I don’t care what anybody says… I’m not crazy. It’s not all in my head,” Krystal Clark said.
WDIV reached out to the Governor’s office and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) for comment.
MDOC released the following statement:
“The department takes the health and safety of those currently under our supervision very seriously and we remain committed to being a transparent partner. We appreciate our officers, healthcare employees, and all other hard-working MDOC staff for their dedication to our core missions of public safety and preparing people for success.
As part of its commitment to maintaining safe facilities, the department completes routine inspections, maintenance, and cleaning throughout all its facilities.
The Michigan Department of Corrections recently worked with a third-party contractor to complete additional proactive and comprehensive environmental testing at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Findings of these tests were consistent with expected results typically found in large settings where individuals live and work. Claims suggesting that the facility has dangerous, systemic, black or toxic mold conditions are inaccurate.
The Michigan Department of Corrections cannot comment on the health or medical treatment of specific incarcerated individuals due to health privacy laws. All incarcerated individuals are provided a consistent community standard of care which includes access to onsite medical staff, outside specialists when needed, and quality medications."
Michigan Department of Corrections
The governor’s office hasn’t responded as of airtime.